Women-Owned Business Spotlight with Andrea DiFiore, Founder of DiFiore New York

As a part of our interview series on women-owned businesses, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea DiFiore, Founder of DiFiore New York

Andrea DiFiore mixes contemporary photography and photo-illustration with traditional fashion. Born in New York City, she has a master’s degree in Fine Art. She is self-taught in Adobe Photoshop and began her career as a high-end photo-retoucher for companies such as Dior, Rolling Stone magazine, and Directv. As a single mother, she balanced raising her daughter while creating various artworks using mixed media and exhibiting them. It was with great determination and patience that she was able to develop her successful line of luxurious silk scarves, and started DiFiore New York.

Thanks for joining me! Tell our readers about what you do.

I am an artist and reformatted my work to create gorgeous silk scarves and sarongs.

What does being a woman-owned business mean to you?

Being a woman-owned business means that I can share my life experiences with other women. I wanted to design pieces of art that were not only beautiful but to accentuate a woman's beauty and wardrobe. Scarves are the perfect accessory to bring color to the face and add elegance and grace. Women are powerful, sensual, compassionate, and intelligent. I want them to feel that and more when wearing one of my designs.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I always thought my artworks lent themselves to textiles, and designing scarves was a way to take the art off the wall and onto the body.

Okay, coming up with a great idea and actually taking the steps to become an entrepreneur and launch your company are two very different things. How did you know it was time to start?

I knew I had to start my own business for a number of reasons. I wanted to make my own decisions and come up with concepts for my own designs. As an artist, I was used to working alone on my art. I worked full-time for a large company and I knew they were closing the department I worked in. When I left, I started my business.

Becoming an entrepreneur is no easy feat. What are some of the lessons you learned along the way?

One of the lessons that I learned was to do your homework. Don't always trust that people have your back. Stick to your values and don't compromise those values.

If you had to list three traits or attributes that have been pivotal for your success, what would they be?

Some of my attributes lie in my upbringing. I was taught to respect people and be honest. I put those traits into my business. I have always been resolute in my independence.

How is your company making a difference?

I have a love for the oceans and the marine life that inhabit them. I give a percentage from sales to non-profits preserving ocean life. And my scarves are made in eco-conscious mills.

I know you probably have many, but what’s your proudest moment as a founder?

I have had many proud moments as a founder of my business, and one was being part of the National Geographic "Ocean Odyssey" fashion show in New York City.

What's one myth you'd like to debunk about your line of work?

That the market is saturated, but I love what I do and will continue to do so. I love that people love my work.

What advice would you give to burgeoning entrepreneurs?

Make sure you are ready both financially and emotionally. Get as much help as you can before you start. Make sure you have the right people on your team.

What does the future look like for your company?

My future is always bright! I have an abundance of ideas in my head and will expand to other accessories.

What words do you live by?

It has to be a quote from Shakespeare. Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.

Any final words of wisdom?

Moving forward is the only way to go, carry on.